HB 184

Abstract

Amends the Animal Control Act. Provides that if a dog is found to be a dangerous dog, the dog must be both muzzled and leashed whenever it is upon a street, sidewalk, or other public place or grounds. Includes an owner's house in the definition of "enclosure". Provides that if a vicious dog is impounded, it must be either spayed or neutered within 30 days after the impoundment. Provides that in all cases a vicious dog must be spayed or neutered before being returned to its owner. Provides that the owner is liable for the cost of spaying or neutering. Provides that if the owner of a dangerous dog fails to keep the dog muzzled and leashed as required, and the dog attacks another person unprovoked and inflicts great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent physical disability upon another person or causes death of another person, the owner is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, except that if the owner knowingly failed to maintain or keep the dog muzzled or leashed, the owner is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Provides that if the owner of a dog subject to enclosure (that is, a vicious dog) fails to keep the dog enclosed or as otherwise required by law (instead of simply fails to keep the dog enclosed), and the dog attacks a person unprovoked and inflicts great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent physical disability upon another person or causes death of another person, the owner is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Effective immediately.